quasi

The word quasi is Latin for “as if” meaning, almost alike but not perfectly alike. In law, it is used as a prefix or an adjective to inform some measure of similarity with a critical difference. A quasi-item is not an accurate example of the item, but it is close to the item minus some critical elements of the item. For example, quasi contract, a contract implied in law or an implied-in-law contract, there is a restitution obligation implied by law or equity to prevent unjust enrichment. It is not a formal contract, but it outlines implied obligations in situations where an entity acted unilaterally to make a binding obligation toward another. In contracts, there is mutual assent between parties to produce the obligation. However, there are no consents in quasi-contracts, and the obligation arises from the law or natural equity.

See also: quasi-community property, quasi contract, quasi-corporation, quasi-criminal (proceeding), quasi in rem, quasi-judicial, quasi-legislative

[Last reviewed in April of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Keywords

• contracts

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